Guest Author - Ann Carroll Burgess

If you’ve seen the movie “Australia” and managed to look beyond the limpid pools of Hugh Jackman’s mesmerizing eyes, then you’ve had a glimpse of Darwin, Australia.

Located on the top end of the island continent of Australia this is a small city rich in culture, national parks and treasures, not to mention a vacation perfect tropical climate.

This is a city that embodies an indomitable spirit having not only survived numerous cyclones but Japanese air raids during World War II.

Darwin is a curious mix of old and new Australia, as well as Australia and many facets of the Far East. More than fifty cultural groups combine in this area creating a distinct and varied mix of experiences.

You can literally have it all in this city. But a good place to start is with its historical influences. During World War II Darwin became the first mainland site in Australia to come under a direct attack from the Japanese Imperial Forces. This city would play a unique role in the defence of the country and the evidence is all around you. Gun emplacements, oil storage tunnels, bunkers, military airstrips and lookout posts scattered throughout the city are open to visitors.

Some of the more popular wartime attractions include the Oil Storage Tunnels, created to protect Darwin’s oil supplies; the Strauss Airstrip, an important landing facilities used by Australian, British and American forces; the Australian Aviation Museum and the East Point Military Museum.

The opposite end of the spectrum, Darwin’s natural features and parks, are equally appealing. You can come face to face with a crocodile at Crocodylus Park, learn the secret’s of successful orchid growing at Jenny’s Orchid Garden, or lose an afternoon bird watching in the Territory Wildlife’s park aviary.

The Territory Wildlife Park is a truly special experience that quietly showcases the native flora and fauna of the ‘top end’ of Australia. Set within 400 hectares of natural bushlands you can walk through wetlands, monsoon forest and open woodland, gaze at crocodiles, local fish and turtles in the aquarium or simply walk the park. My favourite moments were in the rainforest aviary where, if you watched quietly, an enormous array of birds would gradually become visible.

Within the city you can find more traditional attractions such as the Darwin Botanical Gardens, named for naturalist Darwin, filled with a collection of 1500 orchids, ferns and lush palms. The Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences offers exhibits on the regional as well as Aboriginal art and artefacts, including a stuffed crocodile named Sweetheart.

Darwin is as Crocodile Dundee an experience as they come. But, with a modern, air conditioned, cosmopolitan flair. The this top end city of Australia is a terrific gateway to your experience down under.

For more information: www.tourismtopend.com.au